Western Avenue Studios

Rare Earth Show at Loading Dock Gallery
2021-09-01 12:00 - 17:30, 2021-09-05 12:00 - 16:00 UTC | Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Rare Earth: A Collaboration Between Artist and Mother Nature
This September The Loading Dock Gallery is gathering the talents of six artists who create art through one of the greatest collaborations, that of the artist and Mother Nature. The artists of Rare Earth interpret the world’s beauty through their individual media, some crafting their art via the use of natural materials found in nature. Rare Earth will truly showcase the beauty of this wonderful planet. Our featured artists include:Located at Hudson Art Studios in Hudson, MA, Rainie Barton, took up metalsmithing and jewelry making at the end of her career in education. Inspired by all things natural, she loves the way she can craft something that looks organic and alive from something as rigid as a sheet of silver or other metal. Recently, Rainie has begun using metal to interpret and frame lovely, extraordinary stones that spotlight nature’s artwork and produce unique and elegant wearable art.Windham NH’s John Baumann is a formally trained photographer, loves to explore the world around him, and is inspired by its natural beauty, especially that of the New England shoreline. His images evoke feelings of peace and tranquility while capturing the diverse colors and textures of the natural world. John’s goal is to draw the viewer in, inspire them to explore our natural surroundings, and hopes it will inspire the viewer to fight for their protection.Potter, Nancy Barkman of Burlington, MA is inspired by the beauty of nature. She uses her potter’s wheel, carving and runny glazes to create her elegant, eclectic pieces. Nancy’s use of both brown and white stoneware, a natural, versatile element to create pottery that is both beautiful and functional. Her use of blue, green and brown glazes reflect the organic feel of her work.An artist her entire life, Gillian Frazier’s emotions and life experiences are key influences in her artwork. Her artwork, primarily landscape paintings in oil media, is inspired by nature. She believes that nature is her best teacher, and observation is the first step in understanding her subject. Gillian’s mastery of color and technique make her reflective landscapes depicting the wonders of nature a joy to view.Doreen Moscillo hails from Hudson Art Studios in Hudson, MA and is a graphic designer. Her interests and experimentation in many types of mediums makes her a very versatile and interesting artist. Doreen’s natural curiosity was awakened while exploring New England via kayak. She observed the abstract textures created by the decay of bridges along waterways. Using wooden panels, wire and layers of cement and sand, Doreen experimented and was able to mimic the textures of these structures made of wood and concrete. Her creations are fascinating and a must-see.Bethany Peck is a New England contemporary abstract landscape painter. Bethany harnesses nature as her creative vehicle to express her emotions. Bethany describes it as “a world existing or operating in the mind beneath or beyond consciousness. The painting process is immediate and direct.” She paints intuitively, creating an effective state where emotions are experienced and translated from oils to various substrates such as copper, wood, & canvas. Her views of land, sea and sky are truly breathtaking.Rare Earth runs September 1 – 26, 2021. Meet the artists September 4, 3-5 pm. Loading Dock Gallery at 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA. Open Wednesday – Saturday from 12-5:30 pm, and Sunday 12-4 pm. Call 978-415-9889 or visit www.theloadingdockgallery.com for details.

Portfolio Development: Observations and Foundations
2021-09-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Refuge Lowell, 122 Western Ave. Studio #A110, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Portfolio Development is for students who are are serious about making art and those who plan to build visual portfolios for private school admission or college level admission. Serious students of any age can build a portfolio, as it is a body of work that shows an understanding of drawing, painting, composition, and concept.
This program is open to ALL STUDENTS who love to create and those who seek more guidance to grow artistically, regardless of portfolio requirements.
(ages 13 and up)

Saturday Mornings 10AM-1PM:
September: 9/25
October: 10/2, 10/09, 10/16, 10/30
November: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20
December: 12/04, 12/11, 12/18
January: 1/08
Instructor: Courtney Wilson

Sketchbook required, a basic art kit will be availble for purchase at the studio for a cost $25. Materials can be purchased outside of studio as well; kit includes a sketchbook, paint saver container, basic drawing supplies and paintbrushes.

Due to new health and safety concerns, we ask that students come to class with a mask. We will provide hand sanitizer and wipe down working areas with disinfectant before and after class. Shields and limited class sizes will also be implemented during this time. We ask that if your child or a household family member does not feel well to be open and communicate with us about your child missing class as a precautionary measure. Restaurant rules apply for snacks and drinks… students will be allowed to eat and drink at their work space but must wear masks when traveling through the studio.

We reserve the right to cancel any classes that do not fill.

Fine Arts For Middle Schoolers
2021-09-20 16:30 - 19:30 | Refuge Lowell, 122 Western Ave. Studio #A110, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Fine Arts for Middle Schoolers

An exploration of what art can be; learning about artists, styles, techniques & developing an artistic voice.

Do you want to build and improve your art making skills?

In this course, middle school aged students will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of mediums and techniques while also learning to develop their own artistic voices. Students will participate in a series of prompts each class that will challenge their understanding of what art is and what it can be. In conjunction with our daily prompts, students will also be introduced to a variety of contemporary artists whose practice and/or techniques relate to what we are learning. Students will be encouraged to use what they learn to develop their own artistic and visual voice in their work.

Monday Evenings: 4:30-7:30pm
September: 9/20, 9/27
October: 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25
November: 11/1, 11/08, 11/15
December: 12/06, 12/13
Instructor: Madelaine Hamilton

Required materials: Sketchbook (mixed media or watercolor paper preferred), Sunblock, good walking shoes, drinking water, hat.
Suggested materials: Range of drawing pencils, micron pens, watercolor set, paintbrushes.

Due to new health and safety concerns, we ask that students come to class with a mask. We will provide hand sanitizer and wipe down working areas with disinfectant before and after class. Shields and limited class sizes will also be implemented during this time. We ask that if your child or a household family member does not feel well to be open and communicate with us about your child missing class as a precautionary measure. Restaurant rules apply for snacks and drinks… students will be allowed to eat and drink at their work space but must wear masks when traveling through the studio.

We reserve the right to cancel any classes that do not fill.

September Open Studios
2021-09-04 12:00 - 17:00 | Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
It’s sad to see summer go, but we can’t wait to see what our artists have been working on over the summer. It’s great to be back to having all of you explore our building again, the buzz and excitement filling the halls. Join us at the Creative Soul of Lowell, September 4th!

Food Truck: Empanada Dada

This September The Loading Dock Gallery is gathering the talents of six artists who create art through one of the greatest collaborations, that of the artist and Mother Nature. The artists of Rare Earth interpret the world’s beauty through their individual media, some crafting their art via the use of natural materials found in nature. Rare Earth will truly showcase the beauty of this wonderful planet. Rare Earth runs September 1 – 26, 2021. Meet the artists on September 4, 3-5 pm.

Covid-19 Guidelines:
– Please bring a mask as individual studio artists may require you to wear one inside their studio.
– Guests who are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or have been instructed to quarantine by a medical professional should not attend.
– All unvaccinated guests must wear a mask or face covering at all times.
– We will have hand sanitation stations throughout the building.
– We recommend visitors bring a mask in case a studio or business requires you wear one. We request wearing a mask or face covering in our restrooms since they are an enclosed space that doesn’t allow for social distancing.

There is no charge for this event. This event is dog friendly, we just ask that you keep your pup on a leash.

About Face Show at Loading Dock Gallery
2021-08-08 12:00 - 16:00, 2021-08-04 12:00 - 17:30 | Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01851, United States
Energetic lines and brilliant colors electrify at the Loading Dock Gallery this August. Stephen Beccia and Richard Cross present About Face, a show of contemporary figurative art. Their work explores the human figure and the nature of portraiture. Inspired by Cubism and Pop, About Face experiments with new visual rhythms for the 21st century.

Stephen Beccia lives and works in Hudson Massachusetts. After a career as a musician and writer, he turned his focus to telling stories with images on canvas and paper. “Every painting is a new adventure.” Beccia’s inspirations include such artists as Miro, Basquiat, and Picasso. Expressive geometries and flowing colors are a constant theme. A self-taught painter, Beccia says he’s “searching for a world of design and color that does not yet exist.” Beccia has displayed and sold his art in several New England galleries, businesses, and exhibits.

Richard Cross works in illustrations, paint, and mixed media. Like Beccia, Cross is self-taught and loves to experiment. Inspired by Pop Art, with a gritty cast, his work is sharp-edged, transforming familiar images with intense color and agitated line. Many of his pieces include a nod to film noir. He combines aggressive color, stark line, and grungy filth with exacting precision to produce pieces that are both off-putting and vulnerable. “My goal is to generate a subtle anxiousness within the viewer.” Cross lives in Billerica and is a member artist at Western Avenue Studios in Lowell. He has shown in galleries around Boston, Somerville, and Worcester.

About Face runs August 4-29, 2021. Meet the artists August 7, 3-5 pm. Find Loading Dock Gallery at 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA 01851. Open Wednesday – Saturday 12-5:30 pm, and Sunday 12-4 pm. For more information, call 978-415-9889 or visit www.theloadingdockgallery.com
